Bowling ball thumb and finger insert

ABSTRACT

A thumb and finger insert for a bowling ball including a barrel having a thumb or finger hole for insertion of either a human thumb or finger and capable of facilitating a properly timed release of a bowling ball and of adapting to digit swelling during play. The barrel has a complete annular portion and a partial annular portion, the latter forming a gap into which a flexible tab is disposed. The flexible tab is connected to the partial annular portion with one or more flexible members and includes an underside that engages the dorsal side of a user&#39;s thumb or finger, wherein the flexible members will flex so as to allow said flexible tab to flex outwardly when pressure is exerted against the underside of the flexible tab.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/777,684, filed Mar. 12, 2013 (Mar. 12, 2013).

SEQUENCE LISTING

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

THE NAMES OR PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not applicable.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to bowling balls, and more particularly to inserts for bowling ball finger holes, and still more particularly to a thumb insert having a flexible element that depresses at an optimal and consistent release point for a user.

2. Background Discussion

Recreational ten-pin bowling is physically and psychosocially beneficial. Over 95 million people worldwide now play the game, and its popularity is growing. While generally classified as an anaerobic activity involving little sustained physical exertion, it calls for a highly coordinated upper and lower body movements that result in a kind of underhand swinging throw of the ball down the lane. The movement recruits large muscles in the legs, back, and upper torso to propel the arm forward, where the action is finished with fine motor movements of the arm and hand. At the higher league and recreational levels, and certainly at the professional level, it requires exquisitely fine control of pace and length in the approach (or run up) and in the arm swing and release. As many skilled bowlers will attest, it is control, repeatability, and intentional variations in the arm swing and release that becomes the focus for play at the highest level, especially for those who finger spin the bowling ball. A universal feature of all good releases is that the fingers leaver their holes last, after the thumb has exited its hole.

Additionally, it is well known that the thumb and fingers of a bowler almost invariably swell during play. This occurs because the powerful swing motion of the arms induces a centrifugal force that drives blood and interstitial fluids into the tissues of the hand and fingers. As a result, a hole sized perfectly for a finger or thumb before play begins may well be too small or at least uncomfortable as the game progresses.

Professional bowlers have addressed this problem by sizing holes too large and then adding multiple layers of tape before play commences. As the game progresses, the bowlers systematically peel off layers as their thumbs and fingers swell. In the alternative, swelling is reduced using cold water, ice, compresses, and holding the hand overhead. All of these solutions work to varying degrees; however, all involve a substantial compromise in circulation, nerve conduction, and therefore sensation and feel. This is far less than ideal.

Numerous attempts have been made to improve the fit and comfort of the finger and thumb holes in bowling balls. Exemplary patents include:

U.S. Pat. No. 7,762,903, to Bernhardt, which teaches a bowling ball thumb insert with two sleeves. The second (outer) sleeve is retained in the first (inner) sleeve and selectively and lockably couples to it with a coupling mechanism. The second sleeve can be swapped out to tailor the fit of the hole to the user.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,238,297, Tillton discloses a bowling ball thumb sleeve with a cylindrical wall thickness composed of a yieldable material. The sleeve includes a pad or wedge-shaped thickened portion at the entrance and may be oval, round or elliptical, or a combination thereof.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,308,061, also to Bernhardt, describes a finger insert for a bowling ball having a resilient tubular body with an oblong cylindrical inner wall surface. The finger openings have thickened parallel planar finger pads therein adapted for cushioning the bowler's finger. The finger openings also have opposed arcuate finger pads for augmenting the spin and lift applied during delivery of the bowling ball.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,569,520, to Yamane, discloses a thumb insert for a bowling ball that includes a substantially cylindrical member formed from a non-metallic, flexible material and which has a base portion. The cylindrical member has an external cylindrical sidewall coupled to the internal cylindrical sidewall of the thumb-hole of the bowling ball, as well as a flexible member which has an external semi-cylindrical surface and an internal semi-cylindrical sidewall. The thumb insert is oriented such that the bowler places the back of his thumb against the internal semi-cylindrical sidewall of the flexible portion so that the bowler can resiliently and snugly insert his thumb into the thumb-hole of the bowling ball.

The foregoing patents reflect the current state of the art of which the present inventors are aware. Reference to, and discussion of, these patents is intended to aid in discharging Applicants' acknowledged duty of candor in disclosing information that may be relevant to the examination of claims to the present invention. However, it is respectfully submitted that none of the above-indicated patents disclose, teach, suggest, show, or otherwise render obvious, either singly or when considered in combination, the invention described and claimed herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a thumb and finger insert for a bowling ball that includes structure to facilitate a well-timed release at an optimal release point as well as to accommodate and adapt to the natural swelling of the thumb and/or fingers during play. The inventive design eliminates the need to wrap a thumb or fingers in tape in anticipation of swelling induced by centrifugal force during play or the need to place layers of tape inside the thumb or finger holes in anticipation of the same. It does so by adapting to and accommodating size changes caused by such swelling.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing a bowler using the thumb and finger insert of the present invention (shown in a selective cutout in the bowling ball depicted);

FIG. 2 is an upper right end view showing the thumb and finger insert of the present invention installed in a bowling ball;

FIG. 3 is an upper right front perspective view of the thumb and finger insert removed from a bowling ball;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view in elevation of the present invention installed in a bowling ball;

FIG. 5A is a partial cross-sectional side view in elevation showing the inventive thumb and finger insert with a bowler's thumb inserted;

FIG. 5B is the same view showing the flexible element depressed upwardly so as to facilitate a release of the thumb from the insert;

FIG. 6 is an upper front end cross-sectional perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of the thumb and finger insert of the present invention, which includes a taper in the thumb hole;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view in elevation thereof;

FIG. 8A is an upper front end perspective view of a third preferred embodiment of the inventive thumb and finder insert showing an alternative way of coupling the flexible tab to the complete and partial annular portions of the insert barrel;

FIG. 8B is the same view showing flexion of the flexible tab;

FIG. 9A is an upper front perspective view of a fourth preferred embodiment having a side-connected flexible tab;

FIG. 9B is the same view showing flexion of the flexible tab;

FIG. 10A is an upper front perspective view of a fifth preferred embodiment showing yet another alternative to connecting the flexible tab to the insert barrel;

FIG. 10B is a front view in elevation thereof;

FIG. 11 shows still another embodiment of the inventive thumb and finger insert;

FIG. 12A is a side view in elevation showing the general principle of operation for those embodiments having a connection between the inboard end of the flexible tab and the complete annular portion of the insert barrel; and

FIG. 12B is a side view in elevation showing flexion with the player's digit eliminated for clarity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 5B, wherein like reference numerals refer to like components in the various views, there is illustrated therein a new and improved bowling ball thumb and finger hole insert, generally denominated 10 herein. The inventive apparatus comprises a cylindrical barrel 12 with an interior end 14 and an exterior end 16. The barrel has a complete annular portion 18 proximate and extending to its interior end, and a partial annular portion 20 extending from the complete annular portion 18 to the exterior end 16. In a preferred embodiment, when looked at on end (from the surface of the bowling ball B), the partial annular portion defines a shape redolent of the letter “C”, with the letter tipped onto the stress of its bowl portion 22 so as to form an uppermost gap. An aperture 26 extends longitudinally down the barrel to form an elongate slot 28.

Interposed between and spaced apart from the terminal walls 24 of the partial annular portion is a flexible tab 30, which is cantilevered from the distal end 32 of the complete annular portion 18, where it is preferably integrally connected at a hinge or flex line, in the manner of a living hinge. Accordingly, the flexible tab is preferably machined from an originally solid barrel. (However, it will be appreciated that it may be manufactured using a number of suitable methods, including molding, 3D printing, machining, etc.) The upper surface 34 of the flexible tab is recessed slightly from the upper edges 36 of the terminal walls 24. The connection 38 of the flexible tab to the complete annular portion is sufficiently thin for the flexible tab to bend slightly under reasonably light pressures from inserting a thumb T and during use, yet robust enough to withstand thousands of insertions and removals.

The interior surface 40 is configured with a concave shape which is substantially continuous with the curvature of the interior wall or surface 42 of the barrel. This feature, along with the side slots 44 spacing the flexible tab 30 from the terminal walls 24, which are relatively narrow, provide the user with the feel of an unbroken surface in the opening 46. It should be noted, moreover, that insertion of the thumb brings the dorsal side of the thumb into engagement with the interior surface 40 of the flexible tab 30. It should also be noted that the opening may be cylindrical or substantially cylindrical, but it may also be slightly elliptical or slightly oblong.

As will be appreciated, the inventive thumb and finger insert having the recessed flexible tab 30, when inserted into the thumb or finger bore of a bowling ball B, creates a gap or space 48 sufficient for the flexible tab to flex upwardly, thereby increasing the size of opening 46. When a thumb or finger is inserted into the thumb or finger hole, the flexible tab helps to accommodate the thumb or finger, particular as it swells during use. And when in actual use, the flexible tab facilitates release of the thumb at an optimal point in the forward motion of the bowler. FIGS. 1, 5A and 5B best show this release. There it will be seen that when a bowler reaches the release point in his forward motion, the hand is ideally positioned such that it is in essentially a handshake position, with the dorsal side of the thumb in generally an upwardly facing orientation. (Similar release forces will operate on any finger inserted into the insert used in a finger hole.) However, the hand does not get into the optimal position until essentially the release point, and the pressures on the flexible tab are thus insufficient to bend the flexible tab any more than it is bent by the mere insertion of the thumb into the insert. However, when used as a thumb insert, whenever the thumb reaches a position where sufficient pressure is imposed on the flexible tab, the flexible tab will flex or bend rapidly and significantly, thereby providing a smooth release of the thumb. For instance, this occurs during the upswing of the arm shortly after reaching the nadir in the arc of the forward arm swing motion. This mechanical characteristic of the insert enables the user to fine tune a release point based on follow through motions.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show a second preferred embodiment 60 that constitutes a small variation on the first preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 5B. In this iteration, essentially all of the operative and structural elements are identical to those of the first preferred embodiment, but there is included a slightly increasing taper along the interior wall 42 of the thumb hole 50 that commences at a truncation line 52, such that the thumb hole includes an expanding interior portion 54 interior relative to the truncation line that increases slightly in size as it extends inwardly. The expanding interior portion wall 56 again conforms to provide a felt continuity with the tapered ceiling 58 of flexible tab 30.

FIGS. 8A through 12B all show variations on the means of connecting the flexible tab to the terminal walls so as to promote comfort and a controlled release. Each embodiment may include a tapered opening, though the regularly sized and tapered opening are contemplated for use with each of the preferred embodiments.

Referring first to FIGS. 8A-8B there is shown a third preferred embodiment 80 of the present invention. In this variation, the inventive apparatus again includes a cylindrical barrel 82 with an interior end 84 and an exterior end 86. The barrel has a complete annular portion 88 proximate and extending to its interior end, and a partial annular portion 90 extending from the complete annular portion 88 to the exterior end 86. Again, the partial annular portion includes a bowl portion 92 and two terminal walls 94. An aperture 96 extends longitudinally down the barrel to form an elongate slot 98.

Interposed between and spaced apart from the terminal ends 94 of the partial annular portion is a flexible tab 100, which is cantilevered from the distal end 102 of the complete annular portion 88, where it is preferably integrally connected. The upper surface 104 of the flexible tab is recessed slightly from the upper edges 36 of the terminal walls 94. The connection 108 of the flexible tab to the complete annular portion is sufficiently thin for the flexible tab to bend slightly under reasonably light pressures when inserting a thumb and during use.

Still again, the interior surface 110 is configured with a concave shape which is substantially continuous with the curvature of the interior surface 112 of the barrel. Side slots 114 spacing the flexible tab 100 from the terminal walls 94 provide a substantially unbroken cylindrical or substantially cylindrical opening 116. Inserting the thumb brings the dorsal side of the thumb into engagement with the interior surface 110 of the flexible tab 100.

This embodiment departs from the first preferred embodiment in providing a flexible tab 100 connected to terminal walls 94 with first and second flexible elongate Z-bars (Z-shaped bars) 120, each having a tab connecting stem 122 and a terminal wall connecting stem 124. In addition to the Z-bars, smaller first and second flexible L-bars may be provided, also connecting the flexible tab 100 to the terminal walls 94.

Referring now to FIGS. 9A-9B, in yet another embodiment 130, the inventive thumb and finger insert includes three spaced apart flexible L-bars 132 connecting the flexible tab 134 with a shelf 136 contiguous with terminal wall 138. The inboard edge 140 of the flexible tab is not connected to the complete annular portion 142 of the barrel, and the other side proximate the opposite terminal wall of the flexible tab remains unconnected to the partial annular portion 144 of the barrel, such that the flexible tab translates radially (see FIG. 9B) under upward pressure. These views also show the use of an indexing mark or line 146, which can be employed to orient the insert properly before insertion into a bowling ball by matching it with a corresponding mark on the ball itself. It should be understood that such a mark may be employed in any of the preferred embodiments described herein.

FIGS. 10A-10B show yet another, fourth, preferred embodiment, wherein flexible L-bars 132 are provided on both sides of flexible tab 134 and connecting it to either or both terminal walls 138 and shelf 136. In every other respect, this embodiment is identical to that of the third preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 9A-9B.

FIG. 11 shows a fifth preferred embodiment 160, wherein the flexible tab 162 is spaced apart from the partial and complete annular portions 164, 166, respectively, of the barrel and is connected on its inboard end 168 with a single flexible bar 170 and on its sides by a plurality of straight or shaped bars 172.

FIGS. 12A and 12B show how, in those embodiments having a connection between the flexible tab and the complete annular portion, the flexible tab moves upwardly in response to pressure so as to facilitate a clean release or to accommodate swelling during use.

The above disclosure is sufficient to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention, and provides the best mode of practicing the invention presently contemplated by the inventor. While there is provided herein a full and complete disclosure of the preferred embodiments of this invention, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction, dimensional relationships, and operation shown and described. Various modifications, alternative constructions, changes and equivalents will readily occur to those skilled in the art and may be employed, as suitable, without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. Such changes might involve alternative materials, components, structural arrangements, sizes, shapes, forms, functions, operational features or the like.

As an example, the outer or distal end (i.e., the front face) of the flexible tab may be recessed slightly relative to the distal portion of the barrel. This would provide an installer the ability to trim the insert to customize fit or to provide a slight forward or reverse pitch to the outer face so as to make it complete flush with the ball surface. It also provides a margin of error for an installer in the event that the insertion hole is drilled slightly too shallow, making full insertion impossible—extraction after setting in epoxy can be difficult and would effectively ruin a new insert.

Therefore, the above description and illustrations should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims. 

What is claimed as invention is:
 1. A thumb and finger insert for a bowling ball, comprising: a cylindrical barrel having a thumb hole adapted to accommodate a human thumb or finger and having an interior end, an exterior end, and an interior wall, said barrel having a complete annular portion proximate and extending to said interior end and a partial annular portion extending from said complete annular portion to said exterior end, said partial annular portion including spaced apart terminal walls defining a gap; a flexible tab interposed in said gap between and spaced apart from said terminal walls of said partial annular portion, said flexible tab having an upper surface recessed from upper edges of said terminal walls and an underside that engages a user's thumb when a user inserts his or her thumb into the thumb insert; and at least one flexible connection element connecting said flexible tab to either or both of said partial annular portion and said complete annular portion of said cylindrical barrel; wherein said flexible element will flex so as to allow said flexible tab to flex outwardly when pressure is exerted against said underside.
 2. The thumb and finger insert of claim 1, wherein said flexible tab is cantilevered from a distal end of said complete annular portion.
 3. The thumb and finger insert of claim 2, wherein said flexible tab is integrally connected to said complete annular portion.
 4. The thumb and finger insert of claim 1, wherein said flexible tab is connected to said complete annular portion with a flexible bar.
 5. The thumb and finger insert of claim 1, wherein said underside of said flexible tab includes a surface configured with a concave shape substantially continuous with a curvature of the interior wall of said barrel.
 6. The thumb and finger insert of claim 1, wherein said thumb hole of said cylindrical barrel includes an outward taper extending inwardly to said interior end.
 7. The thumb and finger insert of claim 6, wherein said taper begins at a truncation line interior of said exterior end.
 8. The thumb and finger insert of claim 6, wherein said underside of said flexible tab includes an outward taper.
 9. The thumb and finger insert of claim 8, wherein the outward taper of said flexible tab conforms to the outward taper of said thumb hole.
 10. The thumb and finger insert of claim 1, wherein said flexible tab is connected to said partial annular portion with a plurality of flexible bars.
 11. The thumb and finger insert of claim 10, wherein flexible tab connects to said complete annular portion with a living hinge.
 12. The thumb and finger insert of claim 10, wherein said flexible tab is spaced apart from said complete annular portion and is connected to said annular portion with a flexible bar.
 13. The thumb and finger insert of claim 10, wherein said flexible tab is connected to said terminal walls with first and second flexible elongate Z-bars, each having a tab connecting stem and a terminal wall connecting stem.
 14. The thumb and finger insert of claim 13, further including first and second flexible L-bars smaller than said Z-bars connecting said flexible tab to said terminal walls.
 15. The thumb and finger insert of claim 10, wherein said plurality of flexible bars includes three spaced apart L-bars disposed on one side of said flexible tab and connecting said flexible tab to only one of said terminal walls or with a horizontal shelf contiguous with one of said terminal walls, such that the flexible tab translates radially under upward pressure.
 16. The thumb and finger insert of claim 10, wherein said flexible bars comprise a plurality of flexible bars disposed on each side of said flexible tab.
 17. The thumb and finger insert of claim 1, wherein said flexible tab is spaced apart from each of said partial and complete annular portions of said barrel and is connected to said complete annular portion on an inboard end and to both of said terminal walls of said partial annular portion with a plurality of flexible bars.
 18. The thumb and finger insert of claim 1, wherein when viewed from said exterior end, said partial annular portion defines a tipped C-shape.
 19. A thumb and finger insert for a bowling ball, comprising: a cylindrical barrel having an interior end and an exterior end and a gap extending longitudinally from said exterior end to a point short of said interior end, said gap having terminal walls; a flexible tab disposed in said gap and connected to said terminal walls with at least one flexible member so as to allow said flexible tab to flex upwardly.
 20. The thumb and finger insert of claim 19, wherein said flexible tab is connected to said barrel with a plurality of flexible members. 